BEST FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

You voted – we counted!

Every year for our Best Of Haven issue, we put out a list of categories for our readers to vote on from June through the end of July. At the end of the voting period, the votes are tallied, and winners are announced in the September issue. This issue is important to us for many reasons. Mostly because we love to hear from YOU! We also hope that our Best Of Haven issue uplifts local businesses that deserve it. To those businesses – we see you, we appreciate you, keep killin’ it! And finally, Best Of Haven serves as a community guide. These winners are where your friends, family, and neighbors like to shop, eat, play, and do business. Keep this issue throughout the next year to pick up when looking for a new taco place to try, choosing a real estate agent to sell your home or a pediatrician for your little one. Congratulations to the winners! And thank you to all who voted and continue to support and read Haven. We think you’re the BEST!

BISTRO PIZZA

326 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 875-4894 FB @bistropizza326 arabellas.us/bistro-pizza What kind of person doesn’t like Bistro Pizza? A weirdough that’s who. Bistro’s brick oven pizzas are hand-tossed and made with the freshest ingredients. You can choose a classic variety like the Pizza Italia, made with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, or the Pizza Rustica with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ham, bacon, garlic, and olive oil. Or, you can create your own! This Central Ave pizzeria also features a full menu of calzones, strombolis, antipasti, baked pasta, ovenbaked subs, and salads – not to mention a full wine list and bar are available.

2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop 3rd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen

Best Burgers

ADLER’S BURGERS

113 Ambersweet Way, Davenport (863) 438-4324

543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-6615 FB @Adlers.TCB IG @adlerstcb adlersburgers.com Meat your heart out other burger joints, Adler’s is burger goals! These all-American lettuce-on-top legends just don’t stop “takin’ care of burgers” – they’ve claimed the top spot for Best Burger two years running. It all starts with Midwest, high-fat content ground beef, smashed to perfection on the grill and dressed up with an artisan bun. Get it with a side of hand-cut fries and a craft soda (or Jalapeno Fire Crackers mmmm….). The Adler’s Classic is a no-frills feast topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Try something new with the Italian, Bad Hombre, or Bourbon BBQ burgers, and follow their socials for the tasty and campily named specials!

2nd: Tempo 1930 3rd: Andy’s Igloo

Best Tacos

TACOS MY FRIEND

3899 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven (863) 837-7416 FB @tacosmyfriend IG tacos_my_friend Forget about Taco Tuesday, it’s Taco Everyday at Tacos My Friend. This Recker Highway foodie respite serves authentic Mexican fare from tacos (of course) to sopes, tamales, tostadas, and more. Again they take the top taco spot on our Best Of Haven list and no wonder because there is nothing like one of their warm tortillas hugging steak, onion, and cilantro with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of salsa verde. One bite from Tacos My Friend and you’ll be taco besties!

2nd: Angel’s Kitchen 3rd: Azteca D’ Oro

Best Wings

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S

300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 293-9464 FB @MyBeefs beefobradys.com/winterhaven With beef in the name, you might not think they’d knock it out of the park with their wings – but you’d be wrong. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Award-Winning Jumbo Wings are always made fresh to order and tossed in one of their dry rubs or famous sauces. They come traditional or boneless and can be made into a combo or a basket. From Garlic Parmesan to Atomic, there’s a heat level and flavor for everyone. The best bet is to just ‘wing’ it and try out a variety of their sauces and dry rubs. Beef’s Signature Buffalo, Nashville Hot, Boom Boom, and Sweet Thai Chili anyone?

2nd: Hurricane Grill & Wings 3rd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen

Best Cuban sandwich

SOUP’R CUBANS SANDWICH SHOP

1500 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 967-6277 FB: Soup’R Cubans The named Soup’R Cubans may be a play on words for the six soups they offer daily, but Best Of Haven voters think they make Super Cubans! “Making it fresh since 2000,” this Winter Haven soup and sandwich shop offers fresh subs, soups, salads, specials, and more. But we’re here for the Cubans, baby! They pile their Cuban sandwich with ham, pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, with a mustard and mayo mix spread over fresh Cuban bread. It’s then pressed on a hot grill for a perfectly crispy Cuban. Soup’R Cubans’ Best Of Haven-winning sandwich is available as a 10-inch Super Cuban or a 7-inch Regular.

2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: Chef Neil’s Bistro

Best Italian

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us If you’re craving Linguine Ai Gamberi for lunch or Steak Lady Diana for dinner, consider Arabellas Ristorante, the superlative for Italian cuisine in Winter Haven. Arabellas was established in 2004 and is open for lunch and dinner. Pair your meal of Trancio di Salmone Arrosto con Carciofi, roasted salmon filet with artichoke in a white wine and lemon butter sauce, with a glass or bottle from Arabellas’ extensive wine list or a nightcap at Ave Bar next door. The Downtown Times Square bistro prides itself in excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

2nd: Olive Garden 3rd: Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Best Sushi

TSUNAMI SUSHI

5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd #300, Winter Haven (863) 324-6777 (Second location in Lakeland) FB @TsunamiSushi2013 IG @tsunamisushiwh tsunamisushi.net Tsunami is a sushi spot we can roll with! Year after year Best Of Haven voters make waves in the ballots for their favorite sushi restaurant. Tsunami boasts a menu of dishes that look as fantastic as they taste from sashimi and makimono, to tempura, miso, and more. You can’t go wrong with any of their special rolls like the Godzilla Roll, Sweet Heart Roll, or Tuna on Fire Roll. Tsunami, you’re our sushi soymate, we’ll never let you gyoza.

2nd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi 3rd: Royal Asian Fusion

Best BBQ

BLACKBURN’S BBQ

169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Blackburn’s BBQ is quintessential south in your mouth. Their oak-smoked BBQ is fall-off-the-bone delicious. This Eagle Lake eatery features favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, dinner plates including brisket, turkey, smoked sausage, meat by the pound, and family meal deals. Blackburn’s southern sides like sweet coleslaw, southern potato salad, fresh collard greens, and Mimi’s corn casserole are made from scratch. Finish off your meal with homemade banana pudding or a slice of fresh apple or pecan pie. Not to be too forward, but Blackburn’s, we think you’re smokin’!

2nd: Gaskins Barbecue & Lobster 3rd: Sonny’s BBQ

THE DONUT MAN

1290 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-4031 FB @thedonutmanWH The Donut Man does what he can! Thankfully for Winter Haven that means the best sugary and sprinkle-topped treats around. Their Amazing Apple Fritters draw foodies far and wide but I don’t want to glaze over their other offerings of assorted cake donuts, filled donuts, and raised donuts along with sandwiches, bagels, muffins, croissants, coffee, and more. Congrats on another donut hole-in-one in the Best Of Haven Donut category! Donut Man, thanks for the sugarhigh, we donut know what we’d do without you.

2nd: Dunkin’ 3rd: Donut Palace

Best Subs

PUBLIX

FB @publix IG @publix publix.com Pub Subs or bust! Best Of Haven voters like their subs like they like their groceries – from Publix. This iconic sandwich has become the envy of the nation with an array of options to try from the Boar’s Head Jerk Turkey & Gouda Sub to the Publix Philly Cheese Sub. The tried-and-true Pub Sub is of course the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli’s famous double hand-breaded chicken tenders. Enjoying these supreme sammys on the regular is obligatory to keep your Florida card.

2rd: Firehouse Subs 3rd: Jersey Mike’s Subs

Best Mexican

AZTECA D’ORO

5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (Multiple locations in Orlando, Lakeland, and New Smyrna) (863) 295-9080 FB @AztecaDoroWinterHaven IG @aztecadorowh aztecadoro.com Azteca D’Oro is known for authentic food, friendly service, and an encha-lot-of flavorful Mexican cuisine! Their lunch and dinner menus feature ceviche, nachos, elotes Mexicanos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, tacos, signature dishes, desserts, and more. According to Azteca D’Oro, “As authentic ambassadors of our culture and culinary arts, we want to offer our guests the best of our cuisine, keeping alive the legendary Mexican flavor because our food is a labor of love stemming from the most authentic and traditional recipes.”

2nd: El Olivo Mexican Restaurant 3rd: San Diego’s Mexican Grill and Sport Bar

EGG HAVEN

301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 268-8269 FB: Egg Haven egghavenwinterhaven.com Egg Haven has been voted Best Breakfast AGAIN? You butter believe it. This 3rd Street diner which opened in 2013, serves its eggcellent breakfast all day. Drive by (or drive-thru) any morning and you’ll see patrons enjoying their Egg Haven Benedict, biscuits and gravy, chocolate chip pancakes, and blueberry French toast on the sunny patio. Congratulations, Egg Haven, here’s a (butter and jam) toast to you!

2nd: First Watch 3rd: Big Tom’s Diner

Best Seafood

HARBORSIDE

2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Seafood with a waterfront view! Harborside offers premium Lake Shipp scenery, steaks, seafood, and other upscale casual fares. A variety of seafood dishes line the menu both fresh and fried like Ahi Tuna and Smoked Salmon Dip appetizers, Lobster and Crab Alfredo, Gulf Oysters on the half shell, Snow Crab, Stuffed Flounder, and Grouper Sandwich entrees. One Harborside review reads in part, “Always the best place in the Winter Haven area for seafood. The fish and seafood dishes are spot-on for flavor and freshness.”

2rd: Harry’s Old Place 3rd: Crazy Fish Bar And Grill

Best Thai

THAI HAVEN

309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 291-8085 FB @ThaiHaven IG @thaihaven_fl thaihaven.com Thai Haven is a family-owned and operated Downtown dining destination. They offer authentic made-to-order Thai cuisine in an intimate setting overlooking Central Avenue. Their menu of appetizers, soups, salads, curries, specials, noodle dishes, fried rice dishes and more is extensive, offering levels of spice to suit any palate. A hot cup of coconut milk soup is perfect for a fall afternoon and their curry is a great pick-me-up to Thai you over anytime!

2nd: Spice Thai & Sushi 3rd: Royal Asian Fusion

MEDITERRANEAN FRESH GRILL

6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (833) 633-4745 FB @MediterraneanFreshGrillWinterHaven IG @freshgrillmediterranean mediterraneanfreshgrill.com Mediterranean Fresh Grill is well-loved for its beautiful presentation and flavors alike. Chef Chadi Mokbel makes Mediterranean magic in the kitchen with authentic Lebanese cuisine. On the menu you’ll find food that is prepared fresh daily and cooked to order, accommodating many dietary needs and choices including vegetarian, vegan, low carb, Keto, and gluten-free options. A few menu faves include garlic whip, tabbouleh, spicy feta dip, kabobs, and shawarma.

2nd: The Krazy Greek 3rd: Cafe Zuppina

Best Chinese

CHINA GARDEN

6027 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 318-1900 chinagardenwinterhaven.com “This is absolutely a five-star for me. I haven’t tasted all their food, but the ones I’ve had are very tasty and enjoyable,” wrote one China Garden patron. Their menu offers all the Chinese food staples you can think of from sweet and sour chicken and crab rangoons to vegetable lo mein and moo shu pork. Customers rave about tasty takeout, fair prices, and friendly, family-run service.

2nd: Beijing Restaurant 3rd: Evergreen

Best Oysters

GARY’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD HOUSE

660 E Alfred St, Lake Alfred (863) 956-5055 FB: Garys Oyster Bar garysoysterbar.com Gary’s, “the oldest oyster bar in Polk County,” is a not-so-hidden gem offering a cozy, casual atmosphere and “a true Florida seafood experience.” Their Char-Grilled Parmesan Oysters and the Jalapeño Bacon Oysters compete for guest favorite. Gary’s oysters, steamed or raw, will leave you in half-shell heaven, thinking ‘Why the shuck did I wait so long to try this place?’

2nd: Harborside 3rd: Tempo 1930

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 -

ANDY’S IGLOO

703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO Andysigloo.com Their Americana diner vibe and sign are iconic, their burgers are noteworthy, but their ice cream is the cherry on top! You may have to exercise a little self-‘cone’trol as Andy’s Igloo boasts homemade sherbets, milkshakes, and over 30 flavors of hard ice cream as well as Royal Treats like their Banana Split, SpinThe-Wheel, Banana Bonanza, and Parfait (plus, the toppings and sherbets are made in-house). There’s nothing a little whipped cream and sprinkles can’t fix. Andy’s, Best Of Haven voters are melting for you!

2nd: Dairy Queen 3rd: Culver’s

Best Food Truck

TALLULAH’S TABLE BY THE SEA

(863) 289-6255 FB @tallulahstable IG @tallulahstable Tallulah’s Table by the Sea swims to the top for Best Food Truck again this year! Maybe you’ve had their grouper fingers at Grove Roots or a Lobster Bahn Mi at the Lakeland Food Truck Rally, that’s the beauty of this mobile bistro – they travel far and wide serving up delicious seafood along the way. Tallulah’s is available for public or private events and offers succulent seafood bites like Mermaid Shrimp (fried shrimp tossed in homemade sweet and spicy sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and cilantro), Mahi Tacos for Two, Tropical Shrimp Ceviche, and more. Float on over to their Facebook to see where they’ll be next!

2nd: Happy Ending Food Truck 3rd: Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express

Best Diner

ANDY’S IGLOO

703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO Andysigloo.com There’s no better place for a burger, crinklecut fries, and a shake! Andy’s is an old-school Americana eatery boasting the BEST ice cream, and diner vibes that can’t be beat. The Igloo opened in 1951 and now serves diner fare from burgers, BBQ, and chicken baskets to hotdogs, seafood baskets, sandwiches, and more. Oh, and did someone say banana split?

2nd: Big Tom’s Diner 3rd: Egg Haven

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us Drenched in ambient lighting, with exposed brick walls, and billowy window treatments framing palatial windows, Arabellas is where Winter Havenites go for a fine dining night on the town. Guests can expect a premier dining experience from food to atmosphere and everything in-between as Arabelles was also voted Best Italian Food and Best Romantic Restaurant. One patron wrote, “One of our favourite restaurants in the area. Service and food we will always give top marks for. It’s a great place to go for special occasions. It’s nice to dress up a bit too.”

2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Fire Restaurant

Best Patio

TEMPO 1930

58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com Enjoy first-rate cocktails with a breeze downtown! Tempo 1930 remains the Best Of Haven for patio dining again this year. Expansive (open when the weather is nice) front windows overlooking Central Park, exposed brick, and warm decor make for an enjoyable indoor dining experience. But patrons particularly love the back patio strung with little lights for ambiance complete with a jazz-inspired mural.

2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar

Best Waterfront

HARBORSIDE

2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Harborside’s wave-lapping, sunsetting views of Lake Shipp make for an idyllic respite to enjoy surf and turf and a beachy cocktail. In a landslide again this year, Best Of Haven voters singled out Harborside as the premier place for waterfront dining across the county. It is a top destination by car, boat, even seaplane for fresh seafood, steaks, and other casual bites. Their Chain of Lakes views are unmatched!

2nd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar 3rd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 -

TEMPO 1930

58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com A historically significant building in Downtown Winter Haven, Tempo 1930 has the vibes and the cocktails to easily take the top bar spot. Tempo refers to the live music played throughout the weekend, and 1930 pays homage to George Jenkins and the very first Publix store he opened in that location on September 6, 1930. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, Tempo 1930 can make it for you. Pick your poison and head out back to the patio – Maple Walnut Old Fashioned anyone?

2nd: Ave Bar 3rd: Grove Roots Brewing Company

Best Cocktails

TEMPO 1930

58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com Best Patio, Bar, and Cocktails – is there anything Tempo 1930 can’t do? A Central Park breeze and a warm jazzy atmosphere make for a supreme cocktail spot. Tempo 1930’s cocktail list incorporates the flavors of the season with a seasonal cocktail menu. Tempo’s signature cocktails include a Grapefruit Basil Martini, Lavender Vanilla Martini, Key Lime Martini, and Maple Walnut Old Fashioned. Cheers to so many Best Of Haven wins, Tempo!

2nd: The Social Cocktail Lounge 3rd: Ave Bar

Best Wine Menu

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE BAR

5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd #150, Winter Haven (863) 318-8800 FB @GrapeExpectationsWineBar IG @grapeexpectationswinebar “I stole her heart away and put wine in its place.” – Charles Dickens, Grape Expectations (that’s not the real quote or book title of course). Grape Expectations Wine Bar is a repeat winner! Boasting the largest selection of wines by the glass in Winter Haven, two for one daily wine specials, and an expensive selection of California and international wines, Grape Expectations is the Best place in Winter Haven to un‘wine’ from a hard day. Sip your Sauvignon Blanc there or buy a bottle to go. Follow their Facebook to find out the next Yappy Hour when you can bring your furry little booze hounds on the patio with you. The 2nd: Arabellas Ristorante 3rd: Nutwood

Best CoffeeHOUSE

HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS

140 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 251-9619 FB @HavenCoffeeRoaster IG @thehavencoffeeroasters havencoffeeroaster.com The new kid on the block has quickly become everyone’s favorite cup of joe pick-me-up. Haven Coffee Roasters was opened in March of this year by Jonathan and Lynsey Lane. The only roastery on this side of the county, Haven has taken the local coffee scene by storm, one Americano, cold brew, and chai latte at a time. A family-owned and faith-based shop, Haven is the kind of community coffeehouse where the baristas know your name and you’re bound to run into someone you know. They regularly host live music, yoga, and other community events. Congratulations Haven Coffee Roasters, Best Of Haven voters love you a latte!

2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: N+1 Coffee

GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Cheers to the Best Beer List! Grove Roots, “where hops meet heritage,” is a favorite Winter Haven hangout not only for the relaxed community atmosphere and friendly service but of course, the beer. Grove Roots has something for casual beer drinkers and craft brew purists alike with their flagship beers – Slanted Ladders, Wakes of Grain, Rind & Shine, and 6am Pickers. Owner Joe Dunham and his team are always coming up with an inspired rotating selection of seasonal and special-release beers to add to the tasting room board.

2nd: Union Taproom 3rd: Jessie’s Lounge

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 33 -

Expert Strength in Orthopedics

You deserve incredible care close to home.

We’ve expanded our network of locations in Polk County to include more world-class orthopedic services through a special partnership with Rothman Orthopaedics. Access some of the most innovative, personalized care of its kind - right in your neighborhood. Davenport | 40124 US Highway 27, Suite 101 | 410 Lionel Way, Suite 201 Lake Wales | 1255 State Road 60 East, Suite 300

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit IncredibleOrtho.com.

LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS

19239 US-27, Clermont 1-800-768-WINE (9463) FB @LakeridgeWines IG @lakeridgewinery lakeridgewinery.com Lakeridge Winery, opened in 1989, sits on a sprawling 127-acre estate in the rolling hills of Clermont. On a complimentary self-guided walking winery tour and wine tasting, guests can taste a selection of Lakeridge wines. The winery itself overlooks 80 acres of planted vineyards, “pioneering the production of native muscadine grapes.” Lakeridge Winery produces over 100,000 cases (over 1 million bottles) of wine and is so popular that an estimated 160,000 people visit the winery annually. Under their Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brand wines, the labels have won more than 600 awards for excellence in winemaking.

2nd: Island Grove Wine Company 3rd: Keel + Curley Winery

Best Polk County Beer

TROPICAL DILEMMA | GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com There Grove Roots ‘gose’ again! The only dilemma you’ll run into with this tropical delight is having only one. Tropical Dilemma is a crisp sour 4.4% ABV beer with fruity tropical and strawberry notes. Available by the growler or the glass, one Untappd user described it as, “Juicy, natural tasting strawberry. Some saltiness and tartness. Wellbalanced gose.”

2nd: The Florida Brewery 3rd: Swan Brewing

Best U-Pick

WHITEHEAD’S BLUEBERRY FARM

1024 Macon Rd, Winter Haven (863) 860-4575 FB @whiteheadsblueberryfarm IG @whiteheadfarm Best Of Haven voters love this U-pick farm berry much. Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm takes the top U-Pick spot again this year! During the blueberry season which typically runs from the first Wednesday of April through mid-May, guests can grab a basket and pick as many blueberries they want for $4 per pound (or $6 if you want them to pick for you). The family farm has over 30,000 blueberry plants across 15 acres.

2nd: Ridge Island Groves 3rd: Lonesome Oak Blueberry Farms

Best New Restaurant

THE RANCH TAPROOM & COFFEEHOUSE

247 E Park Ave, Lake Wales (863) 589-5100 FB @theranchtaproomandcoffeehouse IG @the_ranch_taproomcoffeehouse Since opening in Downtown Lake Wales in April, The Ranch Taproom & Coffeehouse has become a new Polk County must-try. They offer coffee drinks, an extensive selection of craft beer, and wine by the glass or bottle. The Ranch menu features lighter lunch and dinner offerings like the Pimento Grilled Cheese and a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad, as well as small bites including Pretzels & Beer Cheese or a Charcuterie Board. One Ranch Taproom reviewer wrote, “Coffee, craft beer, tasty food, and southern hospitality right in Downtown Lake Wales. This is such a welcomed change to the community and I can’t wait for what’s to come! Plus, the female founders and their families have been in Lake Wales for generations. It’s great to see locals invest in the community they’ve called home for such a long time.”

2nd: Charm City 3rd: The Lokale Eatery

Best Catering

THE CATERING COMPANY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

2090 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 207-7057 FB @thecateringcompanyofcentralfl IG @cateringco.ofcentralflorida thecateringcompanyofcentralfl.com With The Catering Company, clients can customize their event menu to their palate and budget. Brunch, corporate, charcuterie, rehearsal dinner – no matter the size or scope of the event – The Catering Company will use fresh ingredients and work to “provide flavor-forward dishes, custom to each event menu to fit any budget!” One review of The Catering Company reads in part, “The Catering Company of Central Florida is the ABSOLUTE BEST! Not only was the food incredible but the service matched perfectly!”

2nd: Blackburn’s BBQ 3rd: Catering Oasis

Best Romantic Restaurant

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us A fine dining date night in Downtown Winter Haven, what could be better? Established in 2004, Arabellas also takes the top spot for Best Fine Dining and Best Italian. The ambient atmosphere in the restaurant and dreamy string lights cascading along Central Avenue make for a romantic evening out. Continue your night out with a bottle of wine or cocktail from the adjacent Ave Bar.

2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Harborside

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 35 -

VICTOR & MIKA’S BAKERY

3106 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 734-9148 FB @VictorMikaBakery IG @vandmbakery victormikabakery.com You don’t have to be vegan to know Victor & Mika’s Bakery is the BEST! Victor & Mika’s Bakery prepares high-quality plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free foods. “Being vegan has changed our lives and has also saved Mika’s life ever since her diagnosis of fibroid tumors,” according to the bakery. V&M regularly attend events and markets around the county like the Winter Haven Farmers Market and Downtown Lakeland First Friday. In addition to catering services, they offer goodies like donuts, cannolis, gluten-free bagels, churros, cakes, pastries, and more. To try Victor & Mika’s tasty vegan recipes at home, pick up their cookbook, “Chasing Vegan: Baking Vegan Fun.”

2nd: Bambu Cafe 3rd: Thai Haven

Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant

THE TWISTED PROP BAR & GRILLE

615 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-1937 FB: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille IG @thetwistedprop The Twisted Prop’s regulars love their waterfront views of Lake May, tasty pub food, and good-time, dog-friendly atmosphere. Chill out on The Chain with your fourlegged best buddy while enjoying drinks and casual bar fare including wings, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille is the ‘ultimutt’ dog-friendly restaurant according to Best Of Haven voters!

2nd: Tempo 1930 3rd: Union Pizza (Inside Union Taproom)

Best Bakery

GOURMET GOODIES BAKE SHOP

68 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 318-1400 FB @GourmetGoodies IG @gourmetgoodieswinterhaven ggcupcake.com Year after year, Best Of Haven voters let us know just how sweet Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop is. They are sugar and spice and everything nice in a charming Central Park facing bakery. Gourmet Goodies offers a selection of gourmet baked goods including incredible custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake, French macarons, and more. In need of a last-minute birthday pick-me-up or treat for a special occasion? GG has you covered with its selection of beautiful and tasty cakes. If you’re having a rough day, just walk into the shop. The oh-so-sweet sites, smells, and tastes in their display case will cheer you right up!